Meet Julie, the new manager of the Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Animal Centre
We’re so excited to officially welcome Julie Woods as the new manager of the Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Animal Centre!
Julie steps into the role following Dawn Lyons, who managed the Orangeville & District Animal Centre for five years before moving into her new role as Provincial Operations Manager of Clinical Services with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.
Julie brings with her a lifelong love of animals, plus over 20 years of customer service and leadership experience. She’s worked in the pet industry before and is thrilled to combine her passion for animals with her new role.
A lifelong love of animals
“I’ve had pets since I was a kid. My family has always had all kinds of animals – some adopted, and some found us,” says Julie, who once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. “It’s just so wonderful to work with animals again.”
Helping animals find loving homes
For Julie, one of the most rewarding parts of her job is working with her team to get to know each animal and help them find the perfect family. Her goal is to find loving homes for more than 650 animals this year – and the centre is well on its way, with nearly 400 adoptions already!
“I love seeing the different personalities of the cats and their playfulness, and spending time outside with our dogs is really fun,” Julie says. “Sometimes they come in a little shy, and within a couple of days of routine and attention from our caring staff and volunteers, they come around and win everyone over. That’s really special.”
Inspired by community support
Julie says she’s amazed by the kindness and generosity of the community who step up to help the animals at the centre.
“There’s just so much community support,” she says. “I’m blown away with how many people are fostering, volunteering and donating – not just monetary donations, but also supplies, bedding and other items that our centre needs to provide the best care possible for the animals.”
Life outside the animal centre
When Julie isn’t changing lives at the animal centre, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their many four-legged (and finned!) family members on their farm in Belwood. The Woods family shares their life with three cats, a dog, a horse, and plenty of fish. They’re also about to open their home to a foster mom dog and her puppies to help prepare them for adoption.
“I think working at the Ontario SPCA has just given me more of a purpose,” says Julie. “I want to help people and animals find their match.”
Visit the Orangeville & District Animal Centre
Want to meet the incredible animals waiting for homes? Learn more about the Orangeville & District Animal Centre, and view animals available for adoption at ontariospca.ca/orangeville.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for news, updates, animals available for adoption, and care tips.
Want to help change the lives of animals in need? Join our team! Visit our website for a list of current employment opportunities.
